[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 71 (Wednesday, June 7, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H3460-H3462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMENDING THE PEOPLE OF MONGOLIA ON THE 800TH ANNIVERSARY OF MONGOLIAN
STATEHOOD
Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 828) commending the people of Mongolia, on the
800th anniversary of Mongolian statehood, for building strong,
democratic institutions, and expressing the support of the House of
Representatives for efforts by the United States to continue to
strengthen its partnership with that country.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 828
Whereas Mongolia, a great nation located at the crossroads
of many civilizations, in 2006 marks its 800th anniversary as
a state;
Whereas Mongolia has become a functioning democracy in
Asia;
Whereas since 1990 the Mongolian people have held 5
parliamentary elections and 4 presidential elections;
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Whereas these elections have been determined to be largely
free and fair, without violence or balloting irregularities,
and featuring multiple political parties;
Whereas these elections demonstrate Mongolia's commitment
to the rule of law and its determination to consolidate its
democratic progress;
Whereas the Government of Mongolia has conducted economic
reforms which introduced market mechanisms and have resulted
in the private sector producing the great majority of the
gross domestic product, demonstrating Mongolia's commitment
to the establishment of a free market economy;
Whereas Mongolia ratified the United Nations Convention
Against Corruption in October 2005, demonstrating its
determination to take steps to better ensure political and
economic stability and progress;
Whereas Mongolia has sought to develop political, economic,
and security relationships with its neighboring countries in
order to enhance confidence and regional security;
Whereas the people of the United States and Mongolia share
common commitments to democracy and freedom, and the
Government of Mongolia has expressed its strong desire to
deepen and strengthen its partnership with the United States;
Whereas Mongolia entered into a Trade and Investment
Framework Agreement with the United States in 2004,
demonstrating its commitment to take further steps to reform
and open up its economy and to deepen bilateral economic
ties;
Whereas Mongolia has been a steadfast partner with the
United States in the Global War on Terror, and, after the
September 11th terror attacks, the Government of Mongolia
expressed its strong support for the United States;
Whereas Mongolia has supported coalition operations by
repeatedly contributing troops to both Operation Enduring
Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom;
Whereas Mongolia has contributed troops to support NATO
peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and to protect the United
Nations war crimes court in Sierra Leone; and
Whereas Mongolia's strong policy track record has made it
eligible for Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) support in
2004 and 2005: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) congratulates the people and Government of Mongolia on
the 800th anniversary of Mongolian statehood;
(2) affirms that the United States is proud to be
considered Mongolia's ``third neighbor'';
(3) commends the people and Government of Mongolia for
their commitment to democracy, freedom, and economic reform;
(4) urges the Government of Mongolia to take further steps
to fight corruption and provide greater transparency and
accountability in government operations;
(5) shares with the people and Government of Mongolia the
desire to enhance the relationship between the United States
and Mongolia, based on a comprehensive partnership, shared
values, and common interests;
(6) supports efforts to strengthen strategic, political,
economic, educational, and cultural ties between the 2
countries;
(7) encourages private investment and increased business
ties between investors in both countries;
(8) encourages increased people-to-people ties through
expanded academic, cultural, and sports exchanges, and
(9) supports increased Mongolian participation in
international organizations and initiatives.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Iowa (Mr. Leach) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr.
Faleomavaega) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Iowa.
General Leave
Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res.
828.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Iowa?
There was no objection.
Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 828, commending the
people of Mongolia on their 800th anniversary of Mongolian statehood
which they are preparing to celebrate during the next month. Mongolia's
storied history stretches back to the 13th century, when, beginning
under the leadership of Genghis Khan, the Mongol Empire grew to become
the largest contiguous land empire in world history.
However, the most important portions of this resolution are not those
that recall the past, but those that point toward the future. In the
eight recent centuries of Mongolian statehood, the past 16 years have
perhaps been the most dramatic. In that short time, Mongolia has
cemented its transition from a Soviet-era Communist state to a
successful, multiparty, Asian democracy committed to economic reform.
It has conducted five free and fair parliamentary elections and four
presidential elections.
I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit Ulan Bator last
fall as an election observer and to see firsthand the remarkable
democratic and social progress that the Mongolian people have achieved.
Mongolia represents a transitional model that merits study by other
Asian nations, such as North Korea, who have not yet internalized the
lessons of the 20th century.
In contrast to its history of constant military concerns, Mongolia
today is a country committed to peace and international stability,
whose foreign policy is informed by an admirable humanitarian impulse.
It has repeatedly deployed troops in support of Coalition efforts in
Afghanistan and Iraq, and it has supported NATO peacekeeping operations
in Kosovo.
As befits two nations committed to democracy and freedom, the United
States and Mongolia have enjoyed a deepening friendship, both on a
government-to-government and a people-to-people basis. Our growing
relationship encompasses not only security matters and development
assistance, but also trade, with the U.S. and Mongolia having signed a
Trade and Investment Framework Agreement in 2004.
Although that great landlocked state is physically bordered only by
China and Russia, the United States is proud to consider itself
Mongolia's third neighbor on the basis of our shared values and common
interests. This resolution is a welcome opportunity for the Congress to
reaffirm our desire to strengthen the strategic, political, economic,
educational, and cultural ties between our countries.
In closing, I would like to thank the gentleman from American Samoa
(Mr. Faleomavaega), and also the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr.
Pitts) for his initiative in sponsoring this timely resolution, as well
as the men and women of the Department of State for their judgment and
guidance in assembling the final text.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1445
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend
his remarks.)
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I also would like to commend the
distinguished chairman of the International Relations Committee, Mr.
Hyde, and the senior ranking member, Mr. Lantos, for their support of
this legislation that was introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania
(Mr. Pitts).
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. The breakup
of the Soviet empire in the early 1990s jolted the international
political system and fundamentally changed the course of global
history. More than a dozen new nations emerged from the ruins of the
Soviet Union, stretching from the heart of Europe to deep in Central
Asia.
While the dissolution of the Soviet Union greatly advanced the
progress of democracy and human rights, this forward march was not
without setbacks. Looking at the map today, half of the nations
formerly within the Soviet orbit have truly embraced democracy, human
rights and economic reform, while others continue to struggle with
debilitating other totalitarian regimes.
Mr. Speaker, since their first steps towards freedom from the firm
grasp of the Soviet Union in 1990, the Mongolian people have strongly
embraced democracy and human rights. They took to the streets in the
bitter cold to force the Mongolian Communist Party from power, and
quickly replaced it with a democratically elected government.
Since 1990, Mongolia has held several rounds of free and fair
elections for president and parliament. While the rapid development of
democratic institutions has not been without growing pains, the
government of Mongolia remains a strong and vibrant democracy which has
sought to play a responsible role in the global community.
With a newly shared commitment to democracy, the bilateral
relationship between the United States and Mongolia has flourished over
the last decade and a half. Mongolia has contributed troops, engineers
and medical personnel to Operation Iraqi Freedom, and
[[Page H3462]]
helped to train units of the Afghan National Army.
The United States has also provided over $150 million in assistance
to the Mongolia people since 1991. Mongolia is now eligible for funding
from the Millennium Challenge Account, and it is our strong hope that a
compact with Mongolia will be signed in the near future.
Ties between the United States and Mongolia were further solidified
by visits to Mongolia in 2005 by the President of the United States and
the Secretary of Defense.
The United States and Mongolia have also shared a commitment to
working for freedom for the Tibetan people. As a Buddhist nation,
Mongolia has twice welcomed His Holiness the Dalai Lama, despite
enormous pressure from Beijing to prevent this from happening.
Mongolia's willingness to resist China's strong-arm tactics
demonstrates the nation's deep-seated commitment to human rights and
religious freedom.
Mr. Speaker, since it emerged from the iron clutch of the Soviet
Union in 1990, Mongolia has been a good friend and ally of our Nation.
With passage of this resolution introduced by my good friend, Mr.
Pitts, Congress will further signal its support for even stronger ties
between our two nations.
Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 800th anniversary of Mongolian
statehood. I am pleased that this body can play a small role in
commemorating this important and significant anniversary in the lives
of the people of Mongolia. I urge my colleagues to support this
resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts) who is the author of this resolution.
Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Leach for his leadership on
this issue.
I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 828, a resolution that I
authored with strong bipartisan support from the members of the
International Relations Committee. And I thank the committee members
for their support and I thank the House leadership for bringing it to
the House floor today.
America has a long and proud tradition of standing with those who
stand for freedom and democracy in the world, and that is why it is
altogether appropriate that we recognize the people of Mongolia on the
occasion of their 800th anniversary of statehood.
The history of Mongolia is a great testament to the power of freedom.
Once a communist state closely allied with the Soviet Union, Mongolia
has undergone remarkable changes in recent years. After peacefully
severing communist ties in 1990, the people of Mongolia have
established a stable democracy in Asia.
The reforms Mongolia has undertaken have set a shining example for
its region of the world. In 1992, Mongolia adopted a Constitution. Five
parliamentary elections and four presidential elections have now been
held in Mongolia.
I personally became involved after the parliament heard of the
Contract With America in 1994 and what happened here. In the mid-1990s,
they created the Contract With the Mongolia Voter. They printed 400,000
copies, distributed it by horse and yak and camel all over the country.
They had a 92 percent voter turnout and swept the existing then-
communist government out of power. At that point I went over with
others and gave a seminar to the young members of parliament. Over half
were under the age of 35. It was an inspiring experience.
Mongolia has introduced economic reforms that reflect its commitment
to establishing a free market economy. In the wake of September 11,
2001, the terrorist attacks, Mongolia has been a steadfast partner in
the global war on terror. Mongolia has repeatedly sent troops to serve
in the cause of freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan, six rotations in Iraq
and Afghanistan. They are standing with us, and they have also made
troop commitments to NATO to peacekeeping missions.
In an expression of our appreciation for their support, President
Bush traveled to Mongolia last November, the first sitting American
President ever to do so. During his visit, President Bush addressed the
Mongolian people. He expressed the relationship and appreciation for
the relationships our nations share. He said, ``As you build a free
society in the heart of Central Asia, the American people stand with
you.'' We echo those sentiments today. By passing this bipartisan
resolution, we send a clear message that this House stands firmly with
the people of a free and democratic Mongolia.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania
for introducing this legislation. It was my personal privilege to know
personally the previous ambassador of Mongolia to the United States,
and I have known him for several years as he made every effort to
establish a relationship between our two nations. Again, I commend my
good friend from Pennsylvania for introducing this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance
of my time.
Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 828,
Recognizing the 800th Anniversary of Mongolian statehood. Mongolia has
a strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law. I join the people
of Mongolia in celebrating their 800th anniversary of statehood.
Mongolia has a rich, storied ancient history. Its modern
accomplishments contribute to that history and serve as an inspiration
to all countries that struggle to adopt a democratic system of
government.
The friendship shared by Mongolia and the United States has grown
stronger as a result of Mongolia's strong commitment to democracy and
the rule of law at home and internationally. As this resolution notes,
since 1990, five parliamentary and four presidential elections have
been held in Mongolia, all without violence or disruption. This is a
strong indicator that when the will of a nation's people is joined by
the will of their government, there becomes a great capacity to achieve
good.
Mongolian efforts to develop a free market society and a political
democracy serve as an example of responsible government and progress
for other developing democracies in the world today. The settlement of
an $11 billion debt to Russia in 2004 lifted a heavy burden from
Mongolia and has been instrumental in allowing Mongolia to explore new
outlets for economic development. There are currently over 30,000
private businesses in or around Mongolia's capital city of Ulaanbaatar.
Petroleum, coal, and copper industries continue to be an economic
mainstay for the people of Mongolia.
Mongolia is a valued security partner with the United States and the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Mongolia's steadfast
commitment and valued contributions to Operation Enduring Freedom,
Operation Iraqi Freedom, NATO missions in Kosovo and Sierra Leone, and
its broader contribution to the Global War on Terror are evidence of
its leadership on international security matters.
Mongolia continues to build upon its solid foundation for a
democratic, prosperous and secure future for its people. I congratulate
them on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of Mongolian statehood
and on their continued political and economic development. Through
passage of this resolution we express our confidence in them and our
appreciation for the strong partnership enjoyed between the American
and Mongolian peoples.
Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Faleomavaega for his wondrous
comity on this and so many issues, and I yield back the balance of my
time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Culberson). The question is on the
motion offered by the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 828.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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